Pérez Prado

Pérez Prado, the legendary "King of the Mambo," was a Cuban bandleader, pianist, composer, and arranger who electrified the world with his infectious rhythms in the 1940s and 1950s. Born in Matanzas, Cuba, in 1916, Prado's big band adaptations of the danzón-mambo became a global sensation, making him the most important figure in the Latin dance craze of the era. His music, spanning genres like mambo, cha cha cha, son cubano, Latin jazz, and exotica, continues to captivate audiences today. With hits like "Sway," Prado's vibrant compositions and dynamic arrangements transport listeners to a world of lively dance floors and irresistible beats. His legacy as a pioneer of Latin music endures, making him a timeless icon in the genre.